A Sustainable Future for Superfoods

The rise of climate-resilient superfood crops could significantly impact the food industry's future.

FREMONT, CA: Due to the accelerating pace of climate change, several popular foods are in danger. Ninety percent of humanity's energy comes from only 15 plants, so losing one main crop may be disastrous. Crops are more susceptible to drought, floods, and pests as temperatures rise. This can make crops more difficult to cultivate and decrease yields and nutritional value, increasing global food insecurity. Nevertheless, there are over 7,000 different kinds of edible plants. The superfood market was valued at $137 billion globally and is anticipated to grow to over USD 200 billion by 2027.

Due to rising healthcare expenditures, a growing senior population seeking better lives, food innovations, shifting lifestyles, and medical advancements, there is a huge demand for superfoods. The United States continues to have a problem with obesity and other factors. People seek ways to enhance their health, and demand is particularly high here.

Superfoods, however, are not a trend; they have been in use for many years. According to a survey, there was a 202 percent rise in the number of drinks and foods released globally that contained the phrases "superfood," "superfruit," or "super grain." Businesses are being developed around them, and it is opportune to capitalize on this fad. Superfood demand has grown due to the health advantages connected with these products. As a result, businesses have created new goods and marketing strategies to profit from the trend. The popularity of superfoods is expected to increase as more people learn about their health advantages. A wave that has persisted for years and is strong going forward. It's hard to declare one specific meal as the super-est of all, given that "superfood" doesn't even have an official definition. However, compared to most animal-based diets, many experts believe that plant-based foods deserve the label since they offer greater nutritional value, particularly regarding antioxidants and phytonutrients. Yogurt and kefir are examples of superfoods because they are loaded with probiotics, which help maintain a healthy microorganism population in your gut microbiome, an ecosystem of creatures known to significantly impact your digestive system and overall health. Because of its omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to heart and brain health, salmon is also frequently listed as a superfood. Since new trends appear so frequently (or repeat themselves over time), it might be challenging to keep up with the latest developments in superfoods.

A yearly nutrition poll identified the top superfood winners for 2021 as spinach, kale, salmon, blueberries, green tea, seeds, almonds, garlic, ginger, green tea, and fermented foods (like yogurt or tempeh). This is because these meals are low in calories and high in vital nutrients, antioxidants, healthy fats, and proteins. Additionally, they have several health advantages, including lowering inflammation, enhancing digestion, enhancing immunity, and assisting in weight loss.

Many health professionals concur that rather than searching for the newest superfood, it is preferable to concentrate on eating a variety of full, natural foods in general. In other words, chia seeds and quinoa are not required to be consumed daily. It is great to replace them with simple meals like oatmeal, sunflower seeds, brown rice, and peanut butter. Researchers have been attempting to increase dietary diversity to future-proof our meals. They examine underused wild and domesticated crops to see which ones make sense in the hotter and drier climate of the future. Researchers are concentrating on crops that have the potential to withstand future climate change but also have higher yields. Alternatives that are tailored to the environment are necessary.